USES OF METALS & NON-METALS KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT SENSE IS TWO-FOLD FOLLY. SPANISH PROVERB Ch. 20 J.C. Rowe Windsor University School of Medicine

 Metals  Non-metals Metals & Non-metals

Metals  Metals are generally dense, malleable & ductile, strong, have high melting points & high electrical conductivity.  Some metals, such as copper, iron & aluminum, are produced in huge amounts.

Metals cont’d.  A solution of one metal in another is called an alloy  The properties of alloys are different from those of the parent metal.  Properties which can be altered by alloying include melting point, hardness, strength, magnetic strength & corrosion resistance.

Non-metals  Carbon, a non-metal, forms alloys (steels) when it dissolves in iron.  Non-metals generally have low density, are brittle solids or gases, & have low melting points.  Compounds containing non-metals are widespread in nature.  Some non-metals can be made in allotropic forms which have useful properties.

 Some elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen & oxygen, are important in living things.  Compounds of some such as calcium are needed in quite large quantities.  Others elements called trace elements are needed in tiny quantities. Metals & non-metals in living systems

“Magic three”: Iron, copper & zinc  Iron is the basis of haemoglobin molecule- the oxygen carrier.  Copper has several functions. It is essential for the synthesis of collagen, the body’s main connecting agent. Collagen is essential for the muscle tone, the elasticity of arteries, the proper development & the generation of ATP, the main energy compound in our cells.  Zinc is essential for good protein digestion & helps wounds to heal; but too much of it inhibits the absorption of copper.

Functions of selected trace elements Metal Function in living systems Calcium Needed for strong bone & teeth formation; also needed for the formation of shells Cobalt Present in vitamin B12 & is essential in preventing pernicious anaemia Copper Needed for the absorption & mobilisation of iron in the formation of haemoglobin as well as assisting in the formation of collagen & melanin Chromium Essential in the regulation of blood glucose levels, linked to the action of insulin Iodine Needed for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland & prevent goitre formation; also used as an antiseptic on wounds.

Metals Function in living systems iron Present in haemoglobin, therefore is linked to the transport of oxygen by the red blood cells in the blood; is also present in oxidative enzymes & is needed for proper plant growth MagnesiumThe central atom of the chlorophyll molecule, which is required for the process of photosynthesis; is also needed for some enzyme activity within cells. ManganeseInvolved in the formation of enzymes, bones & amino acid development PotassiumAs a cation, is found in body fluids of plants & animals & is essential for proper plant growth SodiumAs cation, is found in body fluids outside the cells; plays a very important role in the transmission of nerve impulses ZincPresent in many enzymes, and is needed for growth of animals & in the metabolism of protein.

Macular Degeneration & Zn  loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) due to retinal damage

Macular Degeneration

Metal-related Diseases Before & After 2 years of Ca treatment calcium Iron

Sodium Metal-related Diseases Cobalt

Non-Metal / metalloid – Related diseases Silicon Iodine Chlorine

The world has enough for man's need, but not for man's greed. Mahatma Ghandi